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Andre Rankel named head coach of Germany's men's ice hockey team

The former national team player signed a four-year contract to replace Harold Kreis despite having no prior head coaching experience.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 14:24 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The German Ice Hockey Association (DEB) appointed former player Andre Rankel as head coach of the men's national team on a four-year contract.
  • Rankel, who replaces 67-year-old Harold Kreis, takes the role after serving three seasons as an assistant coach for DEL champions Eisbären Berlin.
  • The 41-year-old has no previous experience as a head coach, but DEB leadership cited his qualifications, leadership potential, and playing background in selecting him.
  • Rankel will debut at the Deutschland Cup in November before hosting the World Championship next May.

Key facts

  • The German Ice Hockey Association presented 41-year-old Andre Rankel as the men's national ice hockey team head coach at a press conference in Munich.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Rankel agreed to a four-year contract, replacing former head coach Harold Kreis.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Rankel spent the previous three seasons as an assistant coach with DEL team Eisbären Berlin and has no past experience as a head coach.[Deutsche Welle]
  • During his playing career, Rankel spent 17 seasons in the DEL, won seven titles as a player and three as an assistant coach, and made 46 appearances for the German national team.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Rankel's first tournament as head coach will be November's Deutschland Cup in Düsseldorf, followed by the World Championship in Germany next May.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources